The three-star athlete from Atlanta made his decision known yesterday when he visited the private institution.
Head over to The Black Beat to read more.
A group of young men from Norfolk State University has made extraordinary efforts to assist citizens in Virginia during the winter season. It all started on Christmas Eve, December 24th. Jeremie Simmons, one of eight founders of The League of Extraordinary Men, hosted the first “The Warm Up” Clothing drive in Norfolk, Virginia. Since then more than 750 people have received clothing to help keep them warm in the areas of Norfolk, Richmond, and Portsmouth due to multiple clothing drives orchestrated by these gentlemen.
The League of Extraordinary Men, an organization founded in 2012 at Norfolk State, is completing the extraordinary work based on a mission to collect all sorts of winter clothing. With so much to give the group was able to set up thirteen stations across the state to supply those in need with clothing. For the Richmond, Virginia drive, so many people were being helped that they had to extend the event for three hours. The leftover clothing for the Portsmouth locations was bestowed to the Oasis Center.
The group refused to just to focus on the homeless but included those who are less fortunate as well. Through their projects, a noticed problem included that many individuals lack the financial ability to shop for clothing thus rely on thrifting. With the homeless, the group is focusing on making sure individuals have undergarments. Trevin Curtis, the current president of The League of Extraordinary Men, experienced a situation with a person needing undergarments more than any other item.
When the temperature outside is 20 degrees, most are trying to find warmth but a few are finding ways to cope with nature’s harsh conditions. “’I met a man whose socks were so worn and old that they had begun to mold at the bottom. I encountered this man for three days straight and was able to help him out differently each time,” Curtis said.
The first encounter was enough for a hotel room because of a drought of men’s clothing. The second time Curtis was able to provide a big Roca Wear coat to go along with his two thin hoodies. The final encounter Curtis noticed the man limping across the street with severe pain in his feet. Having a bag full of options the man was accessible to a new pair of Asics sneakers, four pairs of socks, and a pair of jeans.
Tory Barner, a recent Norfolk State graduate, and a member of The League of Extraordinary Men says that the difference the organization aims to make is from the heart and not for self-recognition. “No matter what you’re doing, you’re making a difference, service is done not for gratitude, but for change”, Barner said, as he zealously plans for the huge drive on Monday. The organization is not one big for pictures or notification because it focuses on trying to show others that they’re needed to make a difference in the community.
The organization began as an outlet for men on campus to come together to discuss issues, campus events, and build relationships. Now the organization consists of members of fraternities and non-fraternity men who strive to go beyond their campus and bridge the gap between the services needed in the community.
The League goes by the motto, “Your greatest service is done when no one is watching”. Barner knew that a difference was made when he took a drive through one of the towns and saw multiple people walking happily down the streets with their new coats, hats, and shoes. “There was a new energy around the place, and that’s when I knew we a made a change in someone’s life” explained Barner as he felt overwhelmed with joy.
The evolution of blogging can be seen in the increase of content that has a wide range of subject matter and relevancy to life experiences
of the writer.
The importance of blogging and use of social media can be seen in the engagement, connectivity and networking individuals are becoming forces that are rivaling traditional media. Because there is growing content that easily crosses time zones and international borders the effects of blogging are seen in education, business, finance, commerce, and development in political arenas.
There are no barriers that would delay the posting of content even by age or gender. Students of all levels are creating content based on their learning experiences and developing their brands. This explosion of digital content has created a challenge in determining what is important to read and what to discard.
The “Elements of Blogging” and the “Significance of Content Creation” is an area that must be addressed. Workshops, seminars and conferences are available now to help people and businesses create worthwhile content to market their services and products. No matter the purpose of blogging the ultimate goal is to have people “View or Hear” what is written. Certain criteria must be thought of and used as a gauge to help bloggers in their quest to develop content that pleads to be read and interacted upon. In education you have objectives, in business you have agendas, other areas have their own design. bloggers must ask certain questions to help them align their content to standards.
Listed are a few guidelines to help develop content and keep on track during the creation of content.
Any blogger must have a reason to do what they do. There should be passion, excitement, and commitment when you put fingers to keyboard. During the blogging process, it may change just as the content changes, but every Blogger should have an answer as to Why Do You Blog.
An important element to go along with Why is What is your audience? Is there an age group, gender, nationality, culture or specific group you want to connect with? People enjoy having a connection with their bloggers. Any successful blogger knows what/who their audience is and tries to give them what they need and to keep coming back for more.
Sharing is very important. You want your audience to understand that you are sharing a part of yourself with them. You’re not thrusting things down their throat, but providing something that they need or as you grow in your writing giving your readers something they think they need. Create the atmosphere of sharing which helps in receiving feedback from the reader. Don’t make it a give/take relationship, but a sharing and beneficial one.
Do you have a domain name, are you using a free site, is there a lot of advertising, is there adult content, video, audio, and multimedia? Supporting your content requires some research on your part to validate what you are stating. In the educational, political, and business environments you have to backup what you have stated with links, quotes, and data. When I blog I try as much as possible to obtain valid and trustworthy resources to back up my comments/statements. In my blogging, I’m at times competing with traditional media so I have to go that extra step to help my readers understand where I’m coming from, how it can help them and where else they can go for additional help.
The power of a picture, video or multimedia can never be underestimated. If there is a video that can be used or you create your own do it. This provides an extra element to attract and keep readers to your content. Search Engine Optimization does need help with text (words), but additional elements that provide audio (podcasting), video (YouTube) and multimedia to create an interactive platform. Never be scared to branch off into new areas to help engage and excite your readers.
What can you provide your audience? Do you sell something, what type of service or services do you have? The popular blogs of relationship building, natural hair, nails (hands and feet) provide a service that can be seen and engaging. There is a service that results can be seen. Think very hard on what service you can provide if this is your choice. Be sure that you can keep your customers happy.
One of the important things about blogging is keeping your audience and that means evolving. No blog stays the same, there is an evolution process that writers go through. Just as age and maturity happen so should bloggers content evolve because their readers evolve and change. What you wrote about 3 years ago may not be of the same interest for your readers now. Their lives have evolved (changed) so as a blogger your content must evolve also.
Can you brand yourself to the public? What are you known for, what does your title of your blog site bring thoughts and feelings of? Branding is important because of the interest it generates in readership. Creating a brand allows for Marketability especially if you are trying to make money with your blogs.Branding makes you who you are so the public will make that connection.
To make money is only one important aspect of blogging. Eventually, a blogger considers how can they make money so must be wise in how they Market their content. Who do they market too? Basically selling yourself to the world so they can pay for your content. This may take a team to get the word out about you and promote what you are doing. Using social media tools is another way, but this must be strategic and planned.
These nine elements are worth considering and using as a guide to anyone blogging. Your blogging content, goals, designs and objectives will change the more you blog so be ready to make adjustments and evolve to keep pace and stay important enough to be read.
Check out this week’s Stylish Buzz:
Veronica Hannsberry is a junior, Marketing Major from Chicago. Her spunky and colorful style make her one of the most unique and stylish students on Howard’s campus.
One of the largest shifts in Veronica’s style came with her conversion to the Islamic faith. Her style prior to this conversion was still fun and eclectic with just a little more skin. Now, she seeks to align her personal style with the modesty that comes with her religion. Here’s her take on her style exploration:
“As can be seen in my style photos I am not completely in the realm of modesty. However each day I take a step in that direction. It is important to me to make a statement with every look I put on because personal style is one of the only ways one can express their self without words.”
Veronica describes her personal style as, “girly, Afrocentric street wear.” Her one and only style icon is Rihanna because of her edge and diverse style. Check out some of Veronica’s dope looks below!
Vee’s Looks!
Make sure you follow Veronica to stay updated on all of her latest looks!
Writing shows the foundation of intelligence and that intellectualism still matters. HBCUs were founded to encourage thinking, reasoning, understanding collaboration.
As an instructor teaching Educational Technology at Edward Waters College, I have seen how blogging allows students to enhance their thinking and reasoning. The challenge is to get students to see beyond their writing limitations and expand their digital vision to see the benefits of creating their digital footprints that lead to exposure, networking opportunities and collaboration that can lead to employment and the start of careers never thought of.
Businesses are looking for young talent who have a passion for challenges and can work in diverse environments; HBCU students that can integrate technology with the human element of thought, creativity and innovation have valuable skills that they can market.
Blogging, Microblogging, Podcasting, Vblogging can aid in the Marketing and Branding of HBCU students especially those that have the skills to give them an edge. Conferences like, Blogging While Brown (the premiere blogging conference for bloggers of color and culture), Florida Blogging and Technology Conference (FLBlogCon educates and empowers bloggers by teaching best practices in diverse areas of tech for blogging), NicheParent 14 Conference (for digital influencers and bloggers) and Florida Blogging Conference for Educators where I was honored to present to educators and students on the engagement of Social Media.
WordPress / WordCamp conferences where developers, programmers, users and hosting services come together. Educators are not left out nationally there are EdCamp(s) of all types, a grassroots opportunity for teachers to share with teachers.
HBCUs across the nation are teaching the intricate dynamics of writing and applying writing to integrating with technology. The growth and influence of blogging can be seen in its infusion in Social Media platforms that are now money makers, business ventures based on content creation. The resources online for bloggers are free and even promote entrepreneurials.
There are many writing influencers like me and I encourage my students to find writers that they a connect to, one of the best influences for HBCU students is to find a blogging/writing mentor, either virtual or in person. It is important to find writers with
similar interests and abilities to model. Reading is important because the content is based on research and background information that will validate and carry your blog.
Choose your words wisely and apply your passion, you will make an impact in the world and be heard.
This story was written by Prof. William Jackson, Edward Waters College and Joshua Rodriguez and Jon Gregory EWC students.
To add edge to her style she puts on sneakers and when dressing up, she targets a clean and sophisticated look. “I like how she can take pieces from a thrift store and transform it into something you would think she bought from a high priced store,” stated her best friend Robyn Kohlheim. Many look to fashion icons for inspiration but Collins looks to her mom and dad. With her mom’s classy & elegant look and her dad’s thrifting ways, she is influenced to make her own fashion statements.
Many fashion arrangements come together because of Collin’s love for thrifting and ability to play around with color and prints. “She makes simple pieces come to life,” stated her very special man friend Davonte Heard. After becoming a member of the Chi Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity Inc. Collins learned more about the business side of fashion. “Fashion is more than magazine spreads and beautiful models, but it is a business and there are many ways you can be a fashion influence while earning a living,” Collins said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcJGmzluj2c
Having the fantasy of owning her own fashion line or store front, Collins makes it a priority to always stay in the know of all aspects of fashion. Her fashion blog, Prim and Pumps at www.primandpumps.com showcases various ways of interior decorating, and how to use fashion pieces in more than one way. With her blog celebrating its first birthday just a few days ago Collins is showing no signs of slowing down but intensifying.
Her YouTube channel actually displays what to look for when thrifting and how to thrift. “I love her determination especially with her blog. She makes sure she keeps up with it and continues to make content for her readers,” stated her line brother of Alpha Kappa Psi and close friend, Starr-Ambrosia Muslim.
Her DIY series gets plenty of attention with thousands of readers and watchers on her blogs and videos were she showcases how to Do It Yourself with several projects.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ca37fMHpLo
Collins really feels a certain type of way when people try to dictate what fashion is and it’s explained in her simple Do’s and Don’ts:
Do’s
Don’ts
You can keep up with Collins on Instagram at her personal page @Adrian.Caprice blog page @PrimAndPumps and her YouTube channel itsAdrianCaprice
Bama State Style, the reality series following Alabama State University’s Mighty Marching Hornets, will return to television on Jan. 10 on the Aspire network.
We're back, Bama State Style what happen to Ray has been the question,since the show was off the air. New home ASPiRE network. 8 est Jan. 10
— James B. Oliver (@jarbo62) December 22, 2016
The network announced in late December that they had picked up the popular television reality show.
Aspire will air both old and new episodes of the series, according to a release.
The first season of Bama State Style originally ran on Lifetime Network and earned top ratings. After the conclusion, the show’s producers announced that the series will not continue on the network.
Melissa Ingram said in a statement that “Bama State Style is the perfect addition to the ASPiRE lineup as we continue to be the destination for HBCU programming.”
“ASPiRE is committed to showcasing the lifestyle and infectious pride of historically black colleges reflective of their value to the African-American community,” Ingram said.
https://twitter.com/JustinHeaux/status/812709491770855424
Watch these beautiful ladies grace the screen on ASPiRE's original series #BamaStateStyle. Season premiere Tuesday, January 10th at 8pm EST pic.twitter.com/hHFzgsUg3v
— aspireTV (@TVaspire) January 4, 2017
Band Director James Oliver said that everyone is “excited about the opportunity to continue to showcase our students and University on a nationwide level.”
“Bama State Style showcases the efforts, talents, and hard work to our audience,” Oliver said. “We are honored that ASPiRE is allowing the Mighty Marching Hornets to tell our story on our new home, where everybody has a chance to be inspired.”
Five men and one woman, including Jackson State University graduate and NAACP President Cornell W. Brooks, were arrested late Tuesday.
The @NAACP & @AlabamaNAACP are occupying the Mobile office of @jeffsessions–untill he withdraws as a AG nominee or we're arrested.@tvonetv pic.twitter.com/7uceDDpz1Y
— Rev. & Prof. Cornell William Brooks (@CornellWBrooks) January 3, 2017
Brooks shared a photo of himself, Alabama NAACP President Benard Simelton, and two others on his Twitter page on Tuesday afternoon that says “the NAACP and the Alabama NAACP are occupying the Mobile office of Jeff Sessions—until he withdraws as an AG nominee or we’re arrested.”
According to Mobile police, they face charges of criminal trespass in the second-degree.
Read more here.
It’s understandable to realize the problem of not recalling such because black males only count for 2 percent of teachers in America.
“We plan to increase the number of teachers of color in the education profession ranging from classroom teachers, counselors, administration, school psychologist, and even those that want to go into higher education,” Blake Nathan, a Tennessee State University graduate and CEO of Educate Me Foundation, told HBCU Buzz in an exclusive interview.
The Educate ME Foundation has recruited over sixty aspiring and current educators, three hundred high school participants in its HBCU Tour, bringing together more than one hundred individuals to help combat the problems facing the education systems in urban communities, and partnered with eight school districts and charter school networks in the year of 2016 alone. All of this came to fruition under the vision of Nathan.
Imagine for a few moments that you’re a new teacher. As you are driving towards school you instantly recognize that you’re teaching in an urban community. Walking down the halls passing the various classrooms, you notice that the students you serve look totally different from the teacher population that serves them.
This is an imagination for many of you but a reality for Nathan.
When Blake Nathan began his first job at Stoneybrook Middle School, he was immensely shocked to find out he was the only black male teacher. Once realizing the shortage of black male teachers he knew that he had to do something quickly.
As Nathan reflects on his own educational experience he realized he didn’t have that many black male teachers either. A native of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Nathan only had three black male teachers through his K-12 education.
What is surprising even more, he only had five teachers of color at a historically black university, Tennessee State. And Nathan noted that while attending the Harvard Graduate School of Education Urban Principals Institute with over two hundred national educators in attendance less than ten were black men.
Looking around the room Nathan began to write immense ideas for creating change in the educational rim.
Writing and rewriting over and over again, Nathan struggled to come up with a perfect name for an organization he desired to create to better the education field for minorities:
“Blake Nathan Foundation… No, that’s striking the ego, Black Males Educate… No… Educate ME Foundation… That’s It!”
While constructing the foundation of Educate ME, Nathan realized that black males are not the only ones lacking in the teaching field. Overall, black male and black female teachers account for 9 percent of the total percentage of overall teacher makeup.
Originally, Educate Me started out for black men but swiftly changed for the ME to represent minority educators.
Nathan along with a very supportive team was able to come up with key programs that the foundation will focus on including Educate Me Match Program, Educate Me Cadet, and the Educate Me University. With the Educate ME Match Program, the foundation has been fortunate enough to obtain partnerships with a range of great school districts and charter school networks.
“The best thing I like about Educate ME is that it gives the opportunity to access…access to jobs, leadership, and mentorship,” Brittany Stephens, T-TECH Early College Liaison, said. “It is the hope of a child that loves his/her teacher that looks like them, the opportunity to be that person to someone else.”
These partnerships will provide participants with travel stipends for interviews, relocation packages, and even salary advances.
“Educate ME allowed me to bring my professional aspirations to fruition,” Dameion Cowans, Republic Middle School Teacher, and Match Program Participant, said. “I have been afforded the opportunity to work in a school that enables me to tailor my objectives as an educator to students who come from a similar background as I did.”
The foundation also hosts various events including an HBCU College Tour, Educate Me Power Hour, and Educate Me Teacher’s Combine. The first priority for Educate ME is the high school to college continuum.
During his career of teaching for three years before he left the classroom to fully commit to Educate ME, Nathan would wear TSU paraphernalia to school. When asked by several students what school was that he would state an HBCU located in Tennessee. None of his students ever heard of an HBCU and that began the idea of the HBCU Tour.
So far, the foundation has taken high school students across the country to view seventeen HBCU’s. This spring, students will be taken on a tour to view an additional five HBCU’s. Celebrity rapper, T.I. donated close to $5,000.00 through the TIDAL x Money Talks Competition to help with the tours.
Not only is the foundation focusing on individuals for the future of education but educators and influencers of right now.
The foundation’s Power Hour brings together leaders in education with politicians, local business owners, activists, and the community for engaged conversation and interactive discussion. They take place bi-monthly in Indianapolis and will expand to various cities starting in the 2017-2018 academic school year.
The purpose stands to examine key issues impacting urban schools and the community.
For any potential educators looking to locate to the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, The Educate ME Teacher’s Combine event is one that allows prospective teacher candidates to experience the city as a future home. Candidates experience the classroom hands on with visits to public, township, and charter schools to gain a firsthand perspective of the educational landscape. While participating, they are able to partake in recruitment fairs, interview with school administrators, and even convey a mini lesson plan.
“Blake Nathan’s vision to provide a pipeline of urban educators into our nation’s high-need schools is both timely and absolutely necessary to save underserved communities,” Brian Dinkins, Principal Providence Cristo Rey High School, said.
If you would like to learn more or donate to Educate ME Foundation you can visit the website at https://educatemefoundation.org/. “Education Is Dope” shirts are now on sale and all proceeds go toward events and programs. You can also learn about becoming a University Ambassador, or signing up for specific programs through the website. Students that want to become an ambassador for Spring 2017, can email Educate ME Foundation their resume at info@educatemefoundation.org. Students must be a Junior or Senior enrolled in a Teacher Preparatory Program at their university.
There was no need for a runway because students ripped the runway all over HBCU campuses.
Shaheed Whitfield had many fashionable moments and it’s no surprise that he was bestowed the honor of being selected as Best Dressed by his fellow peers at Tennessee State University. Whitfield is a Junior Business Administration major hailing from the Gateway to the West, St. Louis, Missouri.
Wednesday is the day that organizations and students dress in their best for Courtyard Wednesday. Whitfield disregards Wednesday as being the only special day for dressing up because he uses any day of the week to dress for success. His friend at TSU, Adrianne Carter, applauds Whitfield because he does is a style more than one way.
“I love his style because it’s so easy for men to get caught up in one signature style and stick to it but Sha literally can go from sneakers to a loafer and it never feels forced,” Carter said.
If you’re looking for a fashion show, the campus of Tennessee State University provides that and Whitfield is one that will catch your eye with his reversible style.
It’s not unusual for students to dress up for various events on campus and Whitfield is a key player in helping put on some of those events because he is a member of Student Government Association with the Student Union Broad of Governors.
Keeping it professional is second to nature with Whitfield being a newly inducted and active member of the Chi Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Inc.
His best friend, Nia Varner Taylor, is excited about Whitfield’s exciting projects. Ready to expose the greatness up his sleeve, she stated:
“Shaheed’s growth with fashion will only continue to expand and his next project will be his blog laughing in Spring of 2017 called BlackBoyFly.”
Whitfield describes his style as cultural vanguard. It’s not unusual to catch Whitfield saying, “Black Boy’s Be Fly” very confidently because that’s a quote he lives by.
“Coming from stylish city like St. Louis, fashion is a big deal & it was difficult to adjust from the “STL Urban Fly Guy” to the “Classic, Suit & Tie Look” but Shaheed took control of both & dominated,” Taylor said.
With the ultimate goal of becoming a stylist for GQ it’s obvious why he is always on top of his game.
“Most of the time on campus you can see me in some distress jeans and sneakers or even seen in a tailored suit,” Whitfield said. If plan A with GQ is not what is meant to be in life, he would like to work in marketing for a major retail company.
He has taken hold of the opportunities of internships and became the very first intern for Appealed Design, a clothing company based out of Nashville, Tennessee. The company provided an opportunity for Whitfield to design a shirt, and part of the proceeds went towards a scholarship for him.
The shirts sold out so be on the lookout because there is no telling what is next for this man of fashion.
He has even worked on committees to create new Tennessee State University paraphernalia so the bookstore might soon have some touches of Whitfield’s swag magic.
When it comes to Do’s and Don’ts this is what Shaheed Whitfield lives by:
Do’s
Dont’s
You can keep up with Whitfield on Instagram @_notablenazeer Twitter @ TheBest_OnEarth and Snapchat @ Shaheed05
The family is still looking for answers concerning the year-old murder of Myeisha McDaniels.
She had just graduated from Dillard. Any leads are appreciated. We want this crime solved. https://t.co/BziIYKb2Eq
— Walter M. Kimbrough (@HipHopPrez) January 3, 2017
Dillard President Walter M. Kimbrough said in a post on Twitter that McDaniels “had just graduated from Dillard. Any leads are appreciated.”
“We want this crime solved,” Kimbrough said.
“It’s been a year now and we still don’t know anything,” Shirleen Jefferson, McDaniels’ mother, said.
“She was going to pick up her boyfriend and they were going out to eat,” Jefferson said.
Read more here.
The black college for women beat out No. 2 Howard University and No. 3 Hampton University.
.@USNewsEducation recognizes Spelman as the top #HBCU for the 10th straight year. https://t.co/U2XXq8NiRi #2016AtSpelman pic.twitter.com/1MPbC9Jr38
— Spelman College (@SpelmanCollege) December 28, 2016
“[U.S. News] recognizes Spelman as the top HBCU for the 10th straight year,” according to Spelman‘s official Twitter page.
Morehouse College (No. 4) and Tuskegee University (No. 5) rounds up the top five HBCUs in the country.
“These historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were compared only with one another for these rankings. In order to be on the list, a school must be currently designated by the U.S. Department of Education as an HBCU. To qualify for the U.S. News rankings, an HBCU also must be an undergraduate baccalaureate-granting institution that enrolls primarily first-year, first-time students and must be a school that is part of the 2017 Best Colleges rankings.”
According to Spelman’s website, the college was founded in 1881 as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, later Spelman College in 1924. Now a global leader in the education of women of African descent, Spelman College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and we are proud members of the Atlanta University Center Consortium.
You can view the entire ranking here.
The Great Tornado is the only HBCU band that agreed to march in the inaugural parade.
“Congratulations to Talladega College Marching Tornadoes for [being] selected to march in the 2017 Presidential Inauguration Parade!” according to Grumptown magazine‘s Facebook page. “Represent for the State of Alabama! Marching Tornado Media.”
The Associated Press confirmed on Monday that the Marching Tornadoes will, in fact, perform at the inaugural parade.
The news that an HBCU band will perform at Trump’s inaugural parade almost immediately ignited controversy and backlash against the black college from the Talladega community.
“We were a bit horrified to hear of the invitation,” said Shirley Ferrill of Fairfield, Alabama, a member of Talladega’s Class of 1974.
“I don’t want my alma mater to give the appearance of supporting him,” Ferrill said of Trump on Monday. “Ignore, decline or whatever, but please don’t send our band out in our name to do that.”
The Marching Tornadoes was established in 2012.
Anderson used the word while talking about guns and rapping with a group of students on campus. He has said since that it was a mistake.
Fayetteville State Chancellor says use of N-word was mistake – WTVD-TV https://t.co/xEDqBWWaHY #hng #rap pic.twitter.com/eQSP2r6xhp
— Staunch Harrington (@Quantoch) December 26, 2016
“I encountered some students rapping one day in front of the student center,” Anderson said in a statement. “I stopped and listened and they asked me about my knowledge of rap music. They asked me if I knew any rap songs, and I simply was repeating lyrics from music with which I was familiar.”
“Admittedly, I should not have repeated a song that contained inappropriate lyrics, especially with so much violence in today’s world, and in a day and time when we trying to instill in our young men and women the importance of respect of others and each other,” he added.
Though, Anderson said that it would be wrong to be hypocritical and not use the original lyrics.
“Today’s college students are very astute to rap and hip-hop music. I did not want to be disingenuous and not use the actual lyrics because the students would have resented that,” he said. “At the same time, I spoke with them about the importance of not limiting themselves to one component of rap music.”
“I asked them also if they listen to positive socially conscious rap like Nas and Mos Def because it is my belief that you aren’t being open-minded and you are limiting yourself to one message if you don’t become familiar with the many messages being conveyed,” Anderson said.
He soon left NCAT not having a job, however. It was the day before graduation, excited for the big day to walk across the stage; Averett was getting his cap and gown together along with his stylish outfit. A moment that he would remember for the rest of his life received a harsh twist when a denial letter from the company Millers Coors came in the mail stating that he did not receive the job he interviewed for.
Being flown to Chicago for his interview, and feeling very confident it seemed that if it was a dream come true. That dream faded quickly and left this University King clueless about what was next after the crown. The story of who Jamal Averett is now, begins in a small town two hours and thirty-one minutes away from where he received his degree.
Weighing over 250 pounds in high school, Averett refused involvement in school because of his self-image. Knowing that he had the potential to really be a greatly involved individual within various aspects of a high school experience, his self-image would always stop his feet from walking into doors of opportunity.
Food became his healing mechanism for hurt. Having a father who was not present in life and battling a fight with drugs, Averett had to grow up in a single-parent home with his older brother and sister, Rico Thomas, and Kierra Averett. His mother Esther Ratcliff had to work extended hours at her jobs many days to just provide for all three children. Life began to change when Averett and his family moved to Greensboro, North Carolina. Feeling afraid about all of his next choices, he stayed optimistic.
Having a father who was not present in life and battling a fight with drugs, Averett had to grow up in a single-parent home with his older brother and sister, Rico Thomas, and Kierra Averett. His mother Esther Ratcliff had to work extended hours at her jobs many days to just provide for all three children. Life began to change when Averett and his family moved to Greensboro, North Carolina. Feeling afraid about all of the life’s changes, Averett had no idea that Greensboro was the place of tremendous evolution when he moved there with his family before starting junior year of high school.
Signing up for a gym membership at a local gym, Averett began working out two times a day, and even recalls almost passing out some days from working out so hard. His best friend, Charity Maddox has been affected by the healthy change as well. “Now exercising and healthy eating is a part of his life, he is always challenging me to do better,” Maddox explained.
Knowing that he was destined for North Carolina A&T as a college choice, he worked even harder towards getting his health together. Choosing his sister’s Alma Matter hit home. “I was nervous because Jamal is my younger brother and we’ve been through it all together; there was the world out there to be discovered,” Kierra Averett stated as she thought about the excitement sending her baby brother off to school.
“I looked at senior pictures and it made me realize that I had to keep working towards getting my weight down,” Averett said, reflecting on the very moment.
It’s freshman year in 2012, walking on the campus that he would be learning on for the next four years, he takes a deep breath and imagines doing everything that he never got to while a child. Now 190 lbs. Averett was feeling better, looking, better, and ready to do better. Stepping out on faith he ran for Mister Freshman and won. He went on to run for Mister Sophomore and was disqualified for campaigning on social media.
He went on to run for Mister Sophomore and was disqualified for campaigning on social media.
Not giving up he went on to run for Sophomore Class Vice President. Falling in love with Student Government Association, and being a King he went on to run for Mister Junior and finally Mister North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. All of the potentials for becoming a student leader was finally unleashed after hiding it inside for so long throughout childhood.
“I would hear things like the past Mister NCAT is chill and well put together, he is built, he is serious……Are you sure you are fit for this,” Averett explained as he smiled remembering the day that he was announced, king. No one can attest to the growth during his reign as King as much as his queen Myja Gary.
Always screaming “My Kinnnngggggg” when seeing him after they are separated, it is obvious the two became close friends. “One thing that stood out to me over the year was his work ethic. Whatever he says he is going to do or wants to do; he puts his mind too,” Gary said.
Knowing that he was different, he was ready for what would take place his senior year.
Senior year had many challenges and the clock was running out of time to find his passion for what he wanted to do after college. He was great at motivating others to pursue their purpose but still struggling to find his. Unlike many other individuals in college, Averett never accomplished the achievement of completing an internship. He was qualified for many, but never took the time to focus on the future so he just lived in the right now.
Focusing so much on helping students he put himself last. Understanding the disconnect with his father, Maddox saw the passion for him wanting to be Mister A&T. “Growing up, Jamal battled with his relationship with his father and that created a stronger desire to be a big brother to the males at A&T,” Maddox said. “He left becoming a brother, friend, and mentor to the students at A&T and the greater Greensboro community.”
Realizing he had to get himself together he began applying for jobs. Flying out to various interviews, Averett began to receive many denials. Falling to a rock bottom he felt as if he had to have the perfect answer for everyone.
With so many thinking that his world was picture perfect, he attempted to find anything to make himself look good in the public eye.
Taking on an internship in Colorado with USDA he could finally brag about having some type of sustainability. He finally realized that he had to find happiness for himself and not the satisfaction of others. He went on to find a job with a good salary, and even a company car but went to work every day miserable.
One day everything that he hoped and prayed for came in alignment with his passion and purpose.
He is now set to move to Washington D.C. taking on a full-time job with Oracle that begins in February. Paying close attention to opportunities that his brother took in college, Rico Thomas is always happy to see success for his baby brother Jamal.
“GROWTH, he has truly grown every year and sets even bigger goals for himself,” Thomas said..
Many changes took place in Averett’s life.
He went from a size 44 in pants to a size 30. He went from wearing a 3X in shirts to now a size medium. He also went from not knowing his passion to fulfilling his dreams for career goals. Averett in now in a place of consistent happiness; not having a perfect life but happy to be transitioning through life’s ups and downs.
Who knew that the young boy who would starve himself to sleep and wrap himself in saran wrap would be an Aggie Alum always looking for better opportunities to DO!
“My heart cries to see how much he has grown,” Esther Ratcliff, his mother, explained as she looked relieved at the fact Jamal overcame childhood problems. “He pushes me to be the best that I can be.”
When asked the important question of if his college experience prepared him for the real world, he replied:
“I feel like the college experiences have well prepared me. I have been able to use connections, as well as my platform to continue to inspire and build connections with people.”
Having the definitive goal of becoming a director of Student Activities at a Historical Black College or University, we will soon see Averett helping the next generation of student leaders after he obtains a Masters in Higher Education.
This risk taker is all about stepping out of the comfort zone. Being a very thrifty person, putting together outfits that are fashionable and inexpensive are easy because Veale is an experienced bargain shopper. With the majority of her wardrobe coming from thrift stores, it decreases the chances of others having similar outfits enormously.
Veale not only has beauty but brains and a caring heart as well. She is a current member of The Livingstone College LaLas cheerleading team and a 2016-2017 CIAA All-Star Cheerleader for Livingstone. Always looking for ways to give back to her community in Charlotte, she frequently gives her time to One Love, a nonprofit that provides school drives for kids and children’s therapy. Veale’s role is to help the students realize the importance of being involved and focused on school along with healthy relationships with peers.
“There’s is a time and place for certain outfit choices. I just like to do me and I care less if people don’t like it; if it makes me feel good then that’s all that matters,” Veale described as she passionately stated the importance of satisfying self.
Veale has no Do’s and Don’ts to live by for fashion because she is the ultimate risk taker believing in dressing how a person feels. That explains why so many of her peers at Livingstone College respond “Oh, that’s Alexia for you” when she pops out with an uncommon or weird arrangement.
Follow Veale on Instagram @ratedlexx and Snapchat @alexiaveale
